Limo and Chauffeur Licensing Rules in Major U.S. Cities
Who Licenses Limos in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, New Jersey and Charlotte, and How Riders Can Check
Written by the Local Limo Network editorial team · Updated October 2026
Local Limo Network is a directory of independent limo, black car and chauffeur companies across the U.S. Riders compare profiles and book directly with the company. 400 Ravinia Pl Ste B, Orland Park, IL 60462 · (708) 365-4234 · info@locallimonetwork.com
Quick answer: Limo license requirements are set by cities and states, not one national rule. New York’s TLC, Chicago’s BACP, Georgia DPS, the New Jersey MVC and Charlotte’s Passenger Vehicles for Hire unit each license companies, vehicles or drivers, and interstate carriers with larger vehicles also need a USDOT number. Before you book, ask for the license number and look it up.
Quick Facts
- NYC: the TLC licenses bases, vehicles and drivers
- Chicago: BACP livery license plus a public chauffeur license
- Georgia: DPS carrier certificate and a driver Chauffeur’s Endorsement
- Interstate 9–15 passenger vehicles for pay need a USDOT number
- No license number? Choose another company
Why Limo Licensing Matters to Riders
A license means the company registered with a regulator, showed proof of insurance and accepted inspections, and its drivers passed background checks. Unlicensed operators skip those steps.
Licensing Rules at a Glance
Here is how several major markets handle it, from official sources.
| Where | Who licenses limos | What riders can check |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC): licensed bases, TLC-licensed vehicles and drivers | TLC “TC” for-hire plates; the car should be affiliated with a licensed base |
| Chicago | Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP): livery vehicle licenses and public chauffeur licenses | A livery plate numbered 7000–9999 or 70000–73000 and a BACP license card on the passenger-side dash |
| Atlanta and Georgia | Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS): Limousine Carrier Certificate; drivers need a Chauffeur’s Endorsement | The DPS list of licensed carriers; a front bumper plate with the carrier name and DPS or USDOT number |
| Newark and New Jersey | NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC): limo drivers must pass a fingerprint background check and be certified | Ask the company to confirm its drivers are MVC-certified |
| Charlotte | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, Passenger Vehicles for Hire unit: company certificate, vehicle permit and driver permit, each renewed yearly | Ask for the company’s operating certificate and the vehicle permit |
| Interstate trips | FMCSA: a USDOT number for vans built for 9–15 passengers operated for pay, and for 16+ passengers | Look up the USDOT number on FMCSA’s website |
Chicago
In Chicago, since 2024, BACP no longer uses a windshield sticker, so look for the livery plate and dash card, or search the city’s license data. Run this check before you book any black car service in Chicago.
Atlanta and Georgia
New carriers start with a 12-month probationary period, vehicles pass an annual DPS safety inspection and ads must show the DPS number. DPS warns riders not to book companies missing from its list. Check that list before booking an Atlanta airport car service, and see how to pick the best car service in Atlanta.
Interstate Trips and Larger Vehicles
Crossing state lines adds the federal USDOT rule in the table, which covers many Sprinter and Chicago party bus trips, such as a Chicago-to-Milwaukee group run.
How to Check a Company in Five Minutes
Ask for the license number and look it up, ask for proof of commercial insurance and get the price in writing; knowing what a car service quote should include helps. If a company won’t share a license number, keep looking.
For Operators
Licensed operators can list your limo company in the directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do limo companies need a license?
Yes. Cities and states license companies and often drivers; larger interstate carriers also need a USDOT number.
Who licenses limos in New York City?
The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission licenses for-hire bases, vehicles and drivers.
Who licenses limos in Chicago?
BACP issues livery vehicle licenses, and drivers need a public chauffeur license.
How do I spot a licensed limo in Chicago?
Look for a livery plate numbered 7000 to 9999 or 70000 to 73000 and a BACP license card on the passenger-side dashboard.
Who licenses limos in Georgia?
Georgia DPS issues limousine carrier certificates and keeps a public list.
Do limo drivers need a special license?
Often, yes. Chicago requires a public chauffeur license, Georgia requires a Chauffeur’s Endorsement and New Jersey requires a background-checked driver certification.
When does a limo company need a USDOT number?
For interstate trips in vehicles built for 9 to 15 passengers for pay, or 16 or more.
How can I check a limo company’s license?
Ask for the number and look it up with the regulator, or search the USDOT number on FMCSA’s site.
Does a license mean the company is insured?
Licensing usually requires insurance, but ask for current proof.
What if a company won’t give me a license number?
Treat it as a red flag and choose another company.
Where can I report an unlicensed limo company?
Contact the regulator where the ride happened, such as the TLC, BACP or Georgia DPS.
How do I book?
Search the Local Limo Network directory by city or service, compare company profiles, then call or book directly with the company you choose. For questions about the directory, call (708) 365-4234.
Find Out Whether Your Limo Company Is Licensed
A five-minute license check is the easiest way to protect your trip. Find a local limo company, ask for its license number and confirm it before you book. Still have questions? Check the FAQ or contact us.
Local Limo Network · 400 Ravinia Pl Ste B, Orland Park, IL 60462 · (708) 365-4234 · info@locallimonetwork.com
Sources: NYC TLC · Chicago BACP · Georgia DPS · NJ MVC · Charlotte PVH · FMCSA
Local Limo Network is operated by Eagles Media Enterprises. Some listed companies are Eagles Media clients, and featured placements are paid.
